SOLDIERS TO BE deployed at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will be there only “on secondment status,” Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said on Saturday.
“Meaning they will be receiving their pay from the AFP and not from the Customs. I believe this is authorized by law. It has been done before in customs and (in) other government agencies,” Mr. Lorenzana said in a message to reporters.
Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary C. Alejano on Friday criticized the planned deployment of around 150 soldiers to the bureau, as disclosed by Customs chief Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, who retired as Armed Forces chief last year.
Mr. Lorenzana said, “They will not be used as ‘panakots’ (to intimidate). I don’t think that is the intention.”
Sought for comment, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, Philippine Army spokesperson, said in a phone message, “The military maybe placed in a special duty to support a particular agency of its security requirements based on the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, which is the President.” — VACF

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